Women, Sex, and the Church Edited by Erika Bachiochi

Throughout the years of participating in and overhearing conversations focusing on the intersectionality of these three topics (women, sex, and the Church), there is a common trend which I run into that always particularly troubles me. The reality that many find Catholic teachings to be difficult, even oppressive, can certainly be disheartening and even frustrating, but what concerns me even more so than this is when those of us who do support the Church’s stances can’t exactly articulate why. Or, at least, not in a way that is convincing to our fellow rhetoricians, who often do not see Sacred Scripture as a definitive authority on the matter. It’s a struggle that is both relatable to all and vital to acknowledge : how can we be confident in defending a teaching, let alone believing it wholeheartedly, if we don’t feel we have a thorough grasp on it? This book has served as a personal antidote to my own experience with this phenomena. The authors expertly distill philosophical, scientific, statistical, and theological evidence to demonstrate why the Church’s position on issues like abortion, contraception, IVF, and pre-marital sex are charitable, attentive to the realities of our design, and consistent with natural law. The beauty of this book is in its completeness, offering points that will lay out the grand and sweeping vision of Theology of the Body, as well as convict the hearts and minds of secular audiences. As we near this November election, I encourage you to order a copy. From one aspiring apologist to another, watch your confidence in these conversations grow, well preparing you for the next time you are asked to explain your convictions.